• Project manager and DBA board member Fiona Startup, DBA chair Dianne Hale and Lottery Distribution Committee's Richard Pamatatau.

A labour of love and local info

New tourist info caravan on Devonport Wharf

Every woman, every man, join the caravan of… information! The ribbon has been cut on a local labour of love created to share all Devonport has to offer, in cute Kiwi seaside-style. Heather Barker Vermeer reports…

The sites and sagas of Devonport’s tourist information situation have been well documented in recent years. Where the tale of the tourism titbits has led to, however, is here: a characterful custom-fit caravan in the village’s ferry building. Complete with bespoke bunting and toadstool seating, even the pickiest of peninsula people would be hard pressed to find fault in its sweet, seaside charm and the service its volunteers offer to all who pass by, this summer and beyond.

Bookmark shop owner Fiona Startup took on the project mantle shortly after joining the DBA board five years ago. “Initially it was a response to the ongoing uncertainty around a permanent venue for the Devonport Visitor Information Centre. The idea of having our local VIC inside a retro caravan seemed the perfect fit for Devonport’s vibe.”

Fiona masterminded the purchase of a retro caravan following a successful New Zealand Lotteries application, submitted by fellow local Katherine Downs, for fund from the grants board’s Community Benefit to the 2021 America’s Cup pot.

Fiona said: “To see it here, finished, is magnificent! I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to bring this project together and I’m delighted with how it’s turned out. The artwork is amazing! And all these retro flourishes have transformed it into this gorgeous, unique caravan.”

The top-up needed to make the project possible was generously donated by Devonport Rotary Club, with its minimal ongoing operational costs to be picked up by Devonport Business Association. Rotary Club member and local real estate agent Ian Cunliffe said: “It’s magnificent! It really is a breath of fresh air. We’re very proud to have supported this project and feel it’s a statement of optimism, which says, ‘We’re ready to welcome the world to the best little seaside village in New Zealand!’”

It may be a while until world travellers can land at the wharf so, in the meantime, a bevy of volunteers will be taking turns at sharing their knowledge with visitors from across Auckland and, hopefully, wider New Zealand. 

DBA manager Shaulyn van Baaren is keenly aware of the impact a lack of cruise ships and foreign tourists is likely to have on Devonport, and elsewhere, and is pressing home the message for locals to shop locally, visit local sites and attractions and encourage visitors from across the country to come and do the same.

Narrow Neck resident Shaulyn said: “After years of our businesses and locals recognising that strong, visible and comprehensive visitor information is key to attracting people to explore our village, we are now in the fortunate position of having this unique, delightful caravan we can call our own. It’s a beautiful addition to our seaside village, something the community can embrace and be proud of.”

Judy Birkett has been a visitor information volunteer for almost three years and welcomes the new characterful caravan base, following stints at the former iSite in Victoria Arcade and in the council-owned building at 3 Victoria Road. “Everybody has been very pleasantly surprised and excited about it. It will certainly attract a lot of attention!” Ryman resident Judy is one of 26 registered volunteers rostered on to provide their time and local expertise in the caravan, which comes complete with duck-egg blue fridge, retro-look upholstery and even multi-coloured LED down lights.

Auckland artist Johnny4Higher spent a weekend on Windsor Reserve transforming the standard white outer walls of the caravan into a Devonport-themed piece of art featuring Cheltenham Beach, the old library cat Benjamin and more local icons. Fiona said: “We were amazed with the artwork and how it turned out!”

An official opening on November 19th attracted representatives from DBA, Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, New Zealand Lotteries, volunteers, local businesspeople and residents. Chaplain Glen Popata gave a blessing and a giant caravan-themed cake was shared.

Fiona said she hopes the space is enjoyed by people of all ages over the coming summer and beyond, as well as providing information and an opportunity for social connection. The Devonport community had been tasked with finding a fitting name for the vehicle. At the opening, Fiona revealed the name ‘Moana Belle’ had been chosen. It seemed suitably retro to give the caravan a double name, she said, with Moana honouring Māori and the sea, and Belle meaning beautiful.

With its recognisable local scenes, its coloured lights and playful porthole, deckchairs and toadstools outside, the caravan will not only provide information and inspiration, but fun, as locals look forward with optimism to a new year.